Events Blog

Like most little girls, Liba was happy and chatty, fun and helpful and enjoyed life with family and friends of all ages. Like most little girls, she was also unique in her specialness and in the way she expressed her essence of goodness and kindness.

Soon after we returned home from an overseas trip Liba fell ill and spent some time in hospital where she passed away on the third day of Nissan. Letters began pouring in from all over the world where Liba had visited during our travels, telling us of the impact this 10-year-old girl had on their lives. A stranger took the time to write to us that she was on our flight from Australia to the US trying to juggle her young family’s needs on this long flight. Liba came over to her and asked her: “Can I help you with your baby and perhaps hold him a little and walk with him in the aisle?” The nurses and doctors in the hospital sent us their memories of a beautiful and modest girl who expressed her humble appreciation for all that they were doing for her.

Every year for the third day of Nissan, we modify the focus of the Connecting through Candle Lighting project which was started to honour Liba’s memory and legacy. The highlight of our broadcasts and our Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh messages will now be focussing on the uniqueness of each person and how with their G-d given talents and even challenges, each one impacts the world in their unique way. With the true humility engendered by Pesach we can free ourselves to be who we truly are and to appreciate the uniqueness and the contribution of each other, drawing down the blessings of Hashem on a united people.

This truly is a ‘Gift of Blessing’. When we give of ourselves to others and embrace and appreciate the gifts of others, not only is this a blessing for the giver and receiver but it is a blessing for all our people wherever they may be and for the Holy Land of Israel.

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Iyar, the month in which we make each day count, comes close on the heels of Pesach. During Iyar we transition from a slave mentality to a people ready to receive the Torah and be a light unto the nations as proud Jews.

At the RCWC, our affiliate groups will be building on the energy of Pesach and welcoming the healing and transformative energy of Iyar. You are more than welcome to join Perth RCWC, Frankston RCWC, Sephardi RCWC or BCOD RCWC as they welcome the month of Iyar at their Rosh Chodesh events – each with a story shared with food, laughter and love, yet each with their own flavour and style. Contact us at the RCWC and we will connect you with the group or groups you would like to attend.

Find out more about our affiliates in general and how to join the RCWC as an affiliate here.

This past Sunday, we gathered to celebrate the beginning of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, and what a beautiful and inspiring event it was!

We had the privilege of hearing Nina Shapiro share her heartfelt and moving story. Nina spoke about her journey of adopting and raising her two beautiful boys with unconditional love and care. Her courage, resilience, and faith in the face of challenges reminded us all of the miracles present in our own lives. Her words touched us deeply and left us inspired.

As part of the celebration, the ladies in attendance shared blessings with one another, lighting candles that illuminated the room with warmth and light. The atmosphere was filled with joy, connection, and spiritual energy.

We concluded the evening by enjoying delicious donuts generously gifted to us by the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle, a sweet reminder of the sweetness this special month brings.

Thank you to everyone who joined and made this event so meaningful. May the month of Kislev continue to bring light, blessings, and miracles into our lives!

What a wonderful event we had for Kislev with a focus on Chanukah, and taking a stand for what’s right despite insurmountable odds. Never be afraid to stand up for the truth.

The table was decorated with flowers, and mini dreidels, and we served a delicious supper of sweets, including mini sufganiyot.

Many thanks to our incredible storyteller, Nicole Meyer, whose story was gut-wrenching, and inspiring to hear, at the same time.

And we thank the super talented Sharon Mattatia who entertained us with beautiful songs, singing in Hebrew, English and Ladino. She also sang a duet with her sister, Ilana. So special.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and made our event so special.

Every year between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur the RCWC brings you the inspirational and iconic Eshet Chayil evening, in memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Zelda Kramer z”l whose Yartzeit is on Yom Kippur. The Eshet Chayil evening is a chance for women from different communities to come together, to support and empower each other and to feel that sense of unity during these holy days.

The inspiration received from an evening where daughters share memories of their mothers, adds to the inspiration of the holy days and encourages us in our current circumstances. This year, our theme is Israel with a meaningful program blending inspiration and solidarity. Ettie Spigelman and Helen Savitz share the legacies of their mothers, women who have lived and loved the Holy Land.

To RSVP: events.humanitix.com/EC6

We have an outstanding offer for anyone thinking of joining the RCWC as an affiliate for the year 5785. Becoming an affiliate enables the unique program of the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle to be implemented in your Shule, organisation, group or business, where you will receive resources, guidance and support appropriate for your group’s unique needs. The RCWC connects, empowers and nurtures the Jewish woman in a beautiful atmosphere of love and laughter and learning. We are a registered not-for-profit charity whose mission is to recognise all Jewish women so that we can inspire and support each other to create a harmonious and meaningful society. It all starts with the Jewish woman! For expressions of interest, contact us here.

Once again we had four affiliates each celebrating Rosh Chodesh Elul.

Sephardi RCWC held a meaningful and inspiring event in honour of the IDF and Shin Bet (who have rescued hostages and returned the deceased for burial). Women joined in solidarity to pray for the hostages and their families. In the spirit of proud Jewish women, who are resilient and overcome adversity, Belly dancer Azra gave a beautiful performance, with many women then joining in the dancing with great enthusiasm, uplifting all.
Guest speaker Orlin Ben Ami shared personal stories of her Moroccan/Polish family, and her journey of reconnecting with her culture and heritage here in Australia. The audience was so moved that attendees Leonie, Rosa and Hanna also stepped up to share their own personal insights. What an experience.

Chabad Frankston’s Elul celebration was a powerful and meaningful event. Women gathered to hear the courageous and inspirational story of dear community member Jodie Rogut, and her son Max. Elul’s message filled their souls with gratitude, love and a ‘return’ to Hashem during this powerful month, and moving into a sweet new year. A deep and connecting meditation solidified all the gifts of this month into body, mind and soul. Attendees celebrated the evening by eating sweet treats and making honey cake to bake and enjoy in their homes. Chabad Frankston thanks the RCWC for their gifts and words of wisdom.

At BCOD’s event guests were welcomed with a treat of hot apple cider or a selection of teas. Speaker Sara Rosenfeld shared her story and gave a thought-provoking workshop on how women can effectively manage their many roles in life. Refreshments included adorable marzipan edible tiny bees and honey cake tasting with extras and honey cake recipes to take home.

Perth‘s women shared a beautiful night, with Rosh Hashana inspired food and a gorgeous take-home gift of a key ring with a message for Elul inscribed. Yael Hoenig gave an interesting analogy of her journey through Judaism since converting, where she likened it to a child’s life stages from pre-birth through to an adult. Tehillim was said and Hinda explained that in addition to davening, we can do Mitzvot in the merit of the safety of Israel. In that light, Shabbat candles were distributed, with a message to light for Israel in honour of the hostages.

Joanne Levy, energetic President of the Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue and Program Leader of their new RCWC, led their first-ever event on Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

What an incredible evening we had for our first Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle event, where we welcomed Marcelle Levi as our guest speaker. Not only is she a valued and much loved member of our Synagogue but she recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Joanne Levy welcomed all and gave a short Dvar Torah (thanks to Rebbetzin Sara) about the upcoming festival of Pesach. We then enjoyed a sit down dinner with schnitzel, honey/soy chicken, Sephardi rice, Moroccan vegetables, mushroom rice, and an array of salads.

Marcelle, who inspired us with insights about her life in Egypt and then her marriage, and living in Australia, was treated with a surprise birthday cake as the hall was filled with song expressing love for this matriarch adored by so many. As one guest remarked: “My mother and I have left the event feeling deeply uplifted and ennobled … and grateful; and so moved by Marcelle’s speaking to us from her heart.”

The Sephardi RCWC quickly registered for their next event which will take place for the month of Elul. All expressions of interest to join any of our current affiliates or to start your own group are most welcome.
Read more here

We are looking to widen our Inner Circle base of women who value what the RCWC does and are happy to network and help when they can. If you feel this could be something you may be interested in, we would be overjoyed to hear from you. We only meet once a year and our meetings, although short, are powerful, inspirational and nurturing – everything a RCWC is. Our annual meeting will take place on Wednesday, 5th June just prior to Rosh Chodesh Sivan.

Rebbetzin Rivkah Bondar and Sharon Gelber are teaming up with the RCWC to provide RCWC events in the Frankston area.

Oh what a night!! Rebbetzin Rivka Bondar presented the Dvar Torah highlighting the precious gift that we have been given as the ‘keepers’ of the Rosh Chodesh energy; and the power that we as women have always held, since the time of Miriam: To break through limitations and expectations, whether they are self- or society-imposed; having faith that we can individually and as a community be liberated and thrive!

Merav Eliyahu shared her personal story which was truly inspirational as she brought us along on her journey through lands, cultures, joy, loss, being found, being held and opening our hearts and vulnerability to the possibilities of love and belonging. We all resonated deeply with every step of her journey.

As we enjoyed a delicious spread of yummy delights, we connected with our friends and got to know new community members, what a delight!!!

The ending of our evening continued to feed our souls with creativity, colour and inspiration as we made tambourines burst with life, energy, hopes and dreams for our speedy liberation!

Am Yisrael Chai!

Chabad Frankston thanks the RCWC for their sponsorship towards the tambourine painting activity and in general for facilitating such a truly memorable and meaningful event.
Read more here